Madaba, Mount Nebo & Dead Sea private 8-hour tour

Walk through three centuries of mosaics, then float in the Dead Sea

A private 8-hour tour from Amman visits Madaba's 6th-century Mosaic Map and Archaeological Park, Mount Nebo's Byzantine monastery overlooking the Jordan Valley, the Bethany baptism site on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea for swimming. An English-speaking driver and local guides lead the route. Hotel pickup, all entrance fees, towels and Dead Sea facilities are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Madaba, Mount Nebo, Bethany, Dead Sea

• Depart Amman hotel
• Visit Saint George’s Church and Mosaic Map
• Explore Madaba Archaeological Park
• Tour Saint John the Baptist Church
• Visit Mount Nebo and Byzantine Church
• Tour Bethany Baptism Site with local guide
• Free time swimming in Dead Sea
• Return to Amman hotel

The experience

The tour departs your Amman hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking driver who guides the route. Madaba, the city of mosaics, is the first stop: you'll see the Mosaic Map inside the 19th-century Saint George's Church, an intricate floor mosaic from the 6th century A.D. depicting ancient Jerusalem, Jericho, the Lebanon, Sinai and Egypt. Next is the open-air Archaeological Park, where you walk among ruins and floor mosaics from the Church of Virgin Mary and other historic structures. The Saint John Church, with its bell tower overlooking Madaba, includes an underground museum dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.

Mount Nebo comes next. The hill where Moses is believed to have gazed across the Holy Land. From the summit, you absorb sweeping views over the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley, then enter the Byzantine Church and Franciscan Monastery to see luminous mosaics depicting animals, people, hunting and winemaking scenes. The route then descends to Bethany Beyond the Jordan River (El-Maghtas), the eastern bank site where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist. A local guide joins you here to walk the riverbanks and excavated ruins (Roman and Byzantine churches, caves, wells and baptismal pools) explaining why archaeologists believe John the Baptist lived and preached at this spot, recognized by the Vatican and visited by Pope John Paul II in 2000.

The final stop is the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. You have free time to swim in the therapeutic waters and use the Dead Sea Spa Hotel's beach, pool and changing rooms. Towels and showers are provided. After reconvening with your driver, you return to your Amman hotel where the tour ends.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Amman.
• private air-conditioned vehicle transfer.
• English-speaking driver and local guides at Bethany and Madaba.
• entrance to Madaba Saint George Church, Saint John Church and Archaeological Park.
• entrance to Mount Nebo Memorial Church.
• entrance to Bethany baptism site.
• Dead Sea Spa Hotel facilities including beach, pool and changing rooms.
• towels and showers at the Dead Sea.
• on-board Wi-Fi.

Options for this experience

2 options

Dead Sea Spa Hotel entry tourGuide in English · 09:00Day trip from Amman covering Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Jordan Bethany Baptism Site, with a visit to the Dead Sea Spa Hotel. Pickup is included.

Dead Sea Spa tour with lunchGuide in English · 09:00Day trip from Amman covering Madaba, Mount Nebo, and the Jordan Bethany Baptism Site, with a visit to the Dead Sea Spa Hotel and lunch included. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 14 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Zaid Tours and Travel

Is this one for you?Book the option with lunch if you prefer a meal included. Otherwise, the tour includes all entrance fees and Dead Sea access without meals. Depending on which option you choose, spa treatments and additional facilities at the Dead Sea can be added at checkout.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Madaba Mosaic Map and why is it famous?

The Mosaic Map is an intricately detailed floor mosaic inside Saint George's Church, believed to have been created in the 6th century A.D. It depicts the Holy Land with evocative detail (ancient Jerusalem, Jericho, the Lebanon, Sinai and Egypt), and is one of the oldest known maps of the region.

Can I swim in the Dead Sea on this tour?

Yes. The tour includes free time at the Dead Sea, and you have access to the Dead Sea Spa Hotel's beach, pool and changing rooms. Towels and showers are provided. A swimsuit is required.

What does Mount Nebo look like from the top?

Mount Nebo offers sweeping panoramic views over the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. On the summit, the Byzantine Church and Franciscan Monastery house mosaics depicting animals, people, hunting and winemaking scenes from early Christian art.

Is Bethany the same as the Bethany near Jerusalem?

No. Bethany Beyond the Jordan River (El-Maghtas) on the eastern bank is where Jesus is believed to have been baptized by John the Baptist. It is distinct from Bethany in Jerusalem, where Mary Magdalene lived and Lazarus rose from the dead.

What should I wear and bring for this tour?

Wear modest clothing when visiting churches, and bring a swimsuit for the Dead Sea. The operator recommends hats, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. Visits to churches are not allowed during prayer times.